School of Business

Meet Patrick Huber

Job title: Athletic Trainer II / Program Coordinator — UPMC Sports Concussion Outreach ProgramEmployer: UPMC Center for Sports MedicineDegrees earned: M.B.A. with a concentration in International Business from Point Park University and a Bachelor Science in Interdisciplinary Studies / Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina — CoastalGraduation years: 2009 and 1995Grad school activities: Net Impact and International Ball CommitteeHometown: Oakmont, Pa.Now living in: Bethel Park, Pa.Hobbies/interests: Running, adventure racing and renovation projects

With a degree in exercise science, why did you decide to earn an M.B.A.?

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My degree in exercise science allowed me to become an athletic trainer. As an athletic trainer, I work with athletes from a variety of levels who sustain injuries that are usually orthopedic. However, I always knew that I did not want to spend my entire career on the sidelines treating athletes.

As a result, I chose to pursue an M.B.A. degree to help diversify my opportunities and to open new doors. With an M.B.A., I could move into more of an operations role rather than a clinical one. By choosing a concentration in international business, I diversified my portfolio enough to be marketable in health care and other industries with national or multinational corporations.

What factors made you choose Point Park for graduate school?

I chose Point Park specifically for the classes and the international business concentration. With a busy work schedule, I found the class schedule worked perfectly for me. Also, as a commuter I was able to hit the campus early. The campus has plenty of space where you can sit, grab a bite to eat and work on projects or read for your upcoming class.

What was one of your favorite grad school experiences?

The international business concentration has students in it from all over the world. As a result, during class we would hear about different cultures, foods, religions and politics from various perspectives. One night, we held an international ball where everyone brought a native dish and enjoyed music, dancing and friendship. It was by far the best experience of my entire collegiate career.

How has the knowledge gained in the M.B.A. program helped you in your career?

My M.B.A. degree certainly has advanced my career to a new potential. When we first started our concussion baseline testing program, we thought it would be a single summer program. However, because concussions are a national topic of discussion, I saw the potential for our summer program to grow larger.

Point Park’s M.B.A. program gave me the knowledge to provide a comprehensive analysis of the concussion program. By producing various financial reports, process improvement initiatives, marketing reports, customer surveys and satisfaction scores, we were able to expand the program. I was able to speak intelligently and convince our director and VP to give me the chance to develop the summer program into a year-round program. Having an M.B.A. took me from the sidelines as an athletic trainer to being the program coordinator for the concussion outreach program at UPMC.

What’s your advice for individuals working in the health field who are considering an M.B.A. degree?

GET IT! Do not wait to make this investment for your career and future. The health care field is changing and will continue to change. Health care organizations are under the microscope and will continue to look for cost-reducing measures while still providing exceptional quality care. Having an M.B.A. degree will make you more marketable, but also present you as a leader. It will help you to understand the organizational perspective, to grow intelligently and to consider all avenues without sacrificing patient care.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Getting my M.B.A. with a concentration in international business was the best thing ever. The professors from the program challenge you to work hard, to think outside of the box and offer real-world scenarios. They prepare you for the tasks you will face in business. Without them, I would not be where I am today.

To quote Walt Disney: "Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we're curious … and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."